Vertical Aerospace Brings Valo to Miami, Showcasing the Future of Electric Inter-City TravelFeb 18, 2026 6:20 AM Eastern Standard Time# Vertical Aerospace Brings Valo to Miami, Showcasing the Future of Electric Inter- City TravelShare---- Display coincides with iConnections, offering attendees a first look at next-generation air mobility- Vertical outlines routes to connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach in minutes- Visitors can experience the premium four-seat aircraft designed for journeys up to 10 ...

Core Insights - Vertical Aerospace has signed a strategic three-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AHQ Group and NIDC to develop an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 initiative [1][2][3] Group 1: MoU and Strategic Goals - The MoU aims to explore opportunities in manufacturing localization, commercial eVTOL operations, and investment incentives to support Vertical's certification program and long-term growth [3][4] - Saudi Arabia is identified as a significant emerging market for AAM, with the potential to operate over 1,000 Valo aircraft, which is Vertical's leading commercial aircraft [3][4] Group 2: Role of Partners - AHQ Group will assist in evaluating the necessary industrial, commercial, and investment structures to create a scalable AAM ecosystem in Saudi Arabia [4] - The collaboration aims to position Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for electric aircraft manufacturing and AAM services, contributing to industrial diversification and job creation under Vision 2030 [4][5] Group 3: Aircraft Specifications - The Valo aircraft is designed to operate in hot climates, capable of flying up to 160 km at speeds of 240 km/h with zero operating emissions [6] - Valo is engineered for high payload capability and can perform in temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), making it suitable for the Saudi Arabian environment [6][11] Group 4: Company Background - Vertical Aerospace is focused on pioneering electric aviation, developing the Valo as a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft with zero operating emissions [7][9] - The company has approximately 1,500 pre-orders for Valo from customers across four continents, including major airlines [9]

Core Viewpoint - Vertical Aerospace has announced a long-term partnership with Evolito to supply electric propulsion units for its commercial eVTOL aircraft, Valo [1] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership aims to leverage Evolito's expertise in high-performance electric propulsion systems [1] - Evolito will provide its unique electric propulsion unit architecture, which is lightweight and designed for efficiency [1] Group 2: Product Focus - The electric propulsion units will power Vertical Aerospace's Valo aircraft, which is part of the company's initiative in electric aviation [1]

Core Insights - JetSetGo and Vertical Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of 50 Valo aircraft and a strategic collaboration to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services in India [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The MoU establishes a framework for joint development of route networks, operating models, regulatory engagement, and commercial rollout of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft in India [2] - JetSetGo will lead market research and operational planning for metro and short-haul regional routes, conducting technical evaluations and feasibility studies [3] - Vertical Aerospace aims for type certification of Valo by 2028 under UK and European regulators, with global validations to follow [4] Group 2: Aircraft Specifications - Valo is designed to fly up to 160 km at speeds of 240 km/h with zero operating emissions and meets airliner-level safety standards [2] - Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant of Valo, which offers increased range and mission flexibility [2][7] Group 3: Market Context - The partnership aligns with the growing demand for Advanced Air Mobility in India, as indicated by early demand indicators for specific city pairs and intra-city corridors [4] - JetSetGo's strategy focuses on connecting dense cities and underserved regional markets where ground travel options are limited [3] Group 4: Company Backgrounds - JetSetGo, founded in 2014, aims to revolutionize private air travel in India by making it more accessible and transparent [5][6] - Vertical Aerospace is a global leader in electric aviation, with approximately 1,500 pre-orders for Valo from customers across four continents [9]

Core Insights - Vertical Aerospace has been awarded a Proof-of-concept grant by Hatch for developing an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) use case for its Valo aircraft platform, focusing on electric and hybrid-electric vertical flight for medical responses in remote areas around Singapore [1][2][3] Company Overview - Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, with its Valo aircraft being a piloted, four-passenger Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft that produces zero operating emissions [7][10] - The company has approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the Valo aircraft from customers across four continents, including major airlines such as American Airlines and Japan Airlines [10] Project Details - The project will run until April 2026 and involves collaboration with Singapore's Home Team to assess how eVTOL and VTOL aircraft can enhance existing emergency response systems [2][3] - The initiative aims to develop a detailed EMS concept of operations aligned with real operational and regulatory requirements, including conducting proof-of-concept flight demonstrations [8] Industry Context - The initiative aligns with Singapore's efforts to develop the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore [4] - The Dimension X Challenge supports early-stage companies developing dual-use technologies to enhance public safety, with winning companies receiving S$100,000 in funding and access to technical experts [6]

Core Insights - Vertical Aerospace is accelerating its commercial roadmap in Japan through a partnership with Marubeni Corporation, focusing on electric aviation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) [1][2] Route Network Development - The companies are developing a scalable AAM route network in Japan, with a flagship corridor in the Kansai region that could reduce travel times by nearly 80% compared to ground transport [3] - Plans for piloted demonstration flights in the Osaka Bay area are targeted for 2026, building on momentum from the 2025 Osaka World Expo [2][3] Aircraft Specifications and Regulatory Progress - Vertical's certification aircraft, Valo, is designed to fly up to 160 km at speeds of 240 km/h with zero operating emissions, meeting airliner-level safety standards [4] - The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) accepted Vertical's application into the type validation program in 2023, with a target for airliner-level safety type certification in 2028 [6] Commercial Commitment and Ecosystem Development - Marubeni has made pre-delivery slot reservation payments for the first 25 out of 200 Valo aircraft, indicating strong confidence in the program [6] - Vertical is engaging with regional partners to develop the necessary operating infrastructure and aftermarket support in Japan [6] Market Opportunities - The AAM services will provide rapid access from urban centers to scenic destinations and support transportation for major events, enhancing tourism and logistics [5] - Essential services such as emergency medical transport will also benefit from the AAM network, particularly in the Osaka-Hyogo districts [5] Partnerships and Technology - Vertical Aerospace collaborates with leading aerospace companies and utilizes proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop advanced eVTOL aircraft [8][9] - The leadership team at Vertical has extensive experience from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies, enhancing the company's capabilities in aircraft certification and development [9]

Core Insights - Vertical Aerospace has announced key leadership appointments to strengthen its team as it progresses towards growth, certification, and commercial readiness [1][2] Leadership Appointments - Ollie Roberts has been appointed as Chief People Officer (CPO), responsible for talent attraction, culture development, and organizational design to build a high-performing organization [7][8] - Juan Carlos Sacristan has been appointed as Chief Data & Information Officer (CDIO), tasked with leading the company's data, digital, and AI strategy to enhance operational efficiency [3][4] - Richard Moore has been appointed as Vice President of Powertrain, overseeing the engineering of energy storage, battery management systems, and electric propulsion units [5][6] Company Overview - Vertical Aerospace is focused on pioneering electric aviation, developing the Valo eVTOL aircraft, which aims for zero operating emissions [10][12] - The company has approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the Valo aircraft from customers across four continents, including major airlines [12]

Core Insights - Vertical Aerospace Ltd. is recognized as a promising emerging technology stock, with a price target increase from Needham to $11 from $9, maintaining a Buy rating [1] - The company has made significant advancements in its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, particularly with the introduction of its new model, Valo [2][3] Group 1: Company Developments - Vertical Aerospace unveiled Valo, a new commercial eVTOL aircraft, which features an advanced aerodynamic design and incorporates feedback from global airline partners [2] - Valo is engineered to achieve a range of up to 100 miles and speeds of 150 mph, with a focus on zero operating emissions [3] - The aircraft aims for airliner-level safety certification by 2028, marking a significant milestone in the UK's aerospace industry [3] Group 2: Economic Impact - Vertical Aerospace's operations are projected to contribute £3 billion annually to the UK economy and create over 2,000 high-skilled jobs by 2035 [3] - Early commercial routes for Valo are expected to target high-demand connections between airports and city centers [3] Group 3: Execution Strengths - Needham's site visit to Vertical Aerospace's facilities in the UK highlighted the company's strong execution capabilities in both near-term and long-term milestones [1][3] - The development of Valo involved collaboration with industry leaders such as Honeywell, Syensqo, and Aciturri, enhancing its technological foundation [2]

Core Insights - Vertical Aerospace has made significant progress in its piloted transition flight testing phase, achieving key milestones since receiving its Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on November 13, 2025 [1][2] Flight Testing Progress - The full-scale prototype has completed ten flights since the Permit to Fly was issued, expanding the majority of the transition envelope, including acceleration and deceleration through a wide range of speeds and tilt positions [2] - Full piloted transition is expected in early 2026, with only the final 10% of tilt transition remaining after all test phases to date [2] Data Collection and Achievements - Recent flights are providing valuable data as the team expands the flight envelope and refines the flight-control and EPU software [3] - Several first-time achievements have been completed, including in-flight deployment and stow of the rear propellers, spin-up during wingborne flight, and prop-hold functionality [3] Regulatory Oversight - Vertical is conducting piloted transition testing under full CAA oversight and has recently been granted additional privileges by the regulator to approve Flight Conditions and issue its own Permits to Fly under defined circumstances [4] Leadership Insights - CEO Stuart Simpson highlighted the excellent progress towards full piloted transition flight, emphasizing the validation of the engineering approach and the confidence in the aircraft's capabilities as they prepare for the next phase of testing [5] Company Overview - Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel with its eVTOL aircraft, Valo, which has zero operating emissions [6] - The company is also developing a hybrid-electric variant to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market [6] Partnerships and Pre-Orders - Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including Honeywell, Syensqo, and Aciturri, with its proprietary battery and propeller technology [7] - The company has approximately 1,500 pre-orders of Valo from customers across four continents, including major airlines such as American Airlines and Japan Airlines [8]

Core Insights - The launch of the Valo aircraft marks a significant engineering advancement, featuring an aerodynamic design and an under-floor battery system aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime [1][2][3] Aircraft Design and Development - The rebranding from VX4 to Valo signifies a finalized design ready for regulatory certification, reducing the risk of scope creep in production [2] - The aircraft is designed to meet high safety standards, targeting a catastrophic failure probability of less than one in a billion flight hours [7] Market Reaction and Stock Performance - Following the launch event, Vertical Aerospace's stock price fell approximately 16%, reflecting market disappointment over the lack of a completed flight test announcement [4][10] - The current market capitalization is around $602 million, with analysts projecting a 12-month price target of $11.40, indicating potential for significant upside [12] Strategic Partnerships and Revenue Generation - New partnerships have been established to launch electric air taxi networks in the UK and along the French Riviera, with plans to generate revenue by 2029 [5][8][9] - The company aims to contribute approximately £3 billion ($4 billion) annually to the UK economy by 2035, highlighting the project's national importance [6] Insider Confidence and Future Catalysts - Recent insider buying by board members and senior leadership, increasing their shareholdings by about 50%, signals strong internal confidence in the company's long-term value [11] - The completion of the piloted transition flight test is anticipated as a key catalyst for stock recovery, expected in the near term [10]